Lib Dems Challenge Conservatives Over Failure to Tackle Second Homes Growth (Devon and Cornwall Liberal Democrats)

Devon and Cornwall Liberal Democrats <info@devon-cornwall-libdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems Challenge Conservatives Over Failure to Tackle Second Homes Growth

June 21, 2006 11:54 AM

Waines Homes Cornwall's Liberal Democrat MPs will today challenge the Conservative Party on how their policies will add to Cornwall's housing problems.

There is a Conservative Opposition Day debate on the Failure of the Government's Housing and Planning Policy this afternoon in the House of Commons. Cornwall's MPs are planning to ask how the Conservative Party would tackle the rise in second homes, having stated that they are opposed to increasing taxes and planning regulations to curb the growth in such properties.

According to figures released by Department of Communities and Local Government, the number of Westcountry properties snapped up for second homes has risen by more than 20% in the last four years causing houses to become unaffordable to many local people. Without action being taken, the situation is set to become worse. A recent House of Commons report found that demand for housing in the Westcountry was likely to increase sharply in the coming years, with the number of households expected to rise by 31 per cent over 25 years - the highest rate in the country.

The Liberal Democrats have long been campaigning for better housing policies to address the needs of Cornwall and have welcomed the Affordable Rural Housing Commission's report which suggested the implementation of an 'Impact Tax'. The five MPs have also called for tougher planning restrictions so that local authorities can have greater control over the number of second homes in the County.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy MP said:

"So far the Conservatives have failed to explain how they would deal with Cornwall's housing crisis. They are apparently against tightening the planning controls to restrict the number of second homes and are also opposed to asking second home owners to help fund affordable homes by paying higher rates of tax on their properties.

"It was the Tories who sold off our housing stock without reinvesting the money in affordable housing. It is clear that under David Cameron, the Conservatives are still failing to understand the nature of the housing problems in Cornwall."

Dan Rogerson MP, Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesman added:

"The Liberal Democrats have consistently pressed for greater investment in housing and innovative new solutions which will deliver more affordable housing for Cornwall.

"The Tories are now devoting a whole debate to the subject of building in back gardens. They are still out of touch and basing all their policies on chasing votes in the South East of England."